Fiber Fest

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to a small Fibert Fest held fairly close by.  Last year, I went to Rhinebeck, and it was just all too overwhelming for me, so I was happy to be able to navigate the smaller crowds and take my time.  The only drawback was that it was SO small there were hardly any vendors there at all and only one or two that actually sold yarn (most sold fleece or knitted gifts and doodads).  I came away with some pretty stitch markers, a magnetic pattern place holder AND my first drop spindle!

This is me being taught how to use it by a lovely woman from the local spinning guild.  (Im the one sitting in the pink shirt).

I have to say it wasn’t too hard – I was taught the “Park and Draft Method” which most beginners use and I actually made some usable yarn!  So of course I now have dreams of buying beautiful jewel toned fleeces and spinning them into fine laceweight to knit into gorgeous shawls – but my husband cautioned me that I might want to practice a bit more first.  Probably a good idea.  I’ll let you know how I make out.

We enjoyed the close up view of the animals and the many demonstrations they had (I also have big dreams of being a needle felt sculpor) as well as visiting local farms in the area for fresh produce and eggs.  My husband has a dream of owning chickens (dont ask), so we hit the jackpot when we found a friendly chicken farmer who let us roam the property and take pictures.  I travel west to the city so much that I often forget there is a whole other peaceful world just to the east.  

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